Despite considerable interest in multi-component nanoscale structures, rationally obtaining such complexity remains a substantial synthetic bottleneck. We have developed a new, modular divergent synthesis strategy that progressively transforms simple nanoparticle precursors into increasingly sophisticated products without relying on seeded growth methods. Here, a network of tunable interfaces is formed within pre-formed copper(I) sulfide nanoparticles by partial cation exchange reactions. Integrating this framework with additional known nanosynthetic chemistry, including exchanges, selective etching, and seeded-growth reactions, generates a large library of highly sophisticated nanoarchitectures. These insights are used define a new type of regioselectivity for partial cation exchange processes, based on the crystallographic relationships between parent and product phases. By maximizing the formation of low-strain interfaces, three distinct materials are rationally integrated within uniform spherical and rod-shaped colloidal nanoparticles to produce five unique, asymmetric heterostructured isomers, which are among the most complex particles ever generated in colloidal nanostructures. These insights pave the way to a new paradigm in predictive control for future target-driven nanocrystal synthesis efforts.

Design and synthesis of heterostructured nanoparticle libraries through sequential cation exchange pathways

2019 Fall National Meeting

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